Amber Midthunder

Summary

PodCrushed Episode Summary: Amber Midthunder

Release Date: March 12, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of PodCrushed, hosts Penn Badgley, Nava Kavlin, and Sophie Ansari sit down with the talented actress Amber Midthunder. The conversation delves deep into Amber's journey from her formative years to her rising career in the film industry, highlighting her cultural heritage, personal experiences, and insightful perspectives on representation in media.

---

Early Life and Cultural Heritage

Amber opens up about her unique upbringing, blending Indigenous and Thai cultures. Born on the Navajo reservation in Montana, she shares how her diverse background has profoundly influenced her identity and worldview.

Amber Midthunder [11:19]: "I was born on the Navajo reservation, which is not my reservation. My reservation's in Montana. It's called Fort Peck... My mom is half Thai, Chinese, and half white, and she was born in Thailand."

She emphasizes the importance of cultural identity, explaining how it forms the foundation of who she is, while also acknowledging the multifaceted nature of her persona.

Amber Midthunder [13:18]: "Cultural identity is so interesting because it's like, it's hard to explain to other people how it's like simultaneously the most important... and also it's only one facet of who you are."

---

Path to Acting and Early Experiences

Amber discusses her early exposure to the film industry through her parents, both of whom work in film. Despite growing up amidst the hustle of Hollywood from ages five to nine, her parents prioritized a grounded childhood away from the limelight.

Amber Midthunder [14:37]: "My parents were very conscious about not wanting me to live in the middle of nowhere and just have a real kid experience."

She recounts her first role at age ten, a pivotal moment where she realized her passion for acting despite initial fears.

Amber Midthunder [07:04]: "I remember I got a role one time on a show when I was like 10... I just like, I don't want to do that. I'm scared."

---

Personal Stories: First Crush and Heartbreak

Amber shares charming anecdotes from her middle school days, offering a glimpse into her vibrant personality during adolescence.

• First Crush: Amber vividly remembers her kindergarten crush, a boy named Colby, showcasing her early boldness.

  Amber Midthunder [37:06]: "I approached him at recess and was like, so you're my boyfriend? And he was like, oh my gosh."

• First Heartbreak: She recounts a dramatic story from high school where her brother intervened to protect her, leading to a memorable moment.

  Amber Midthunder [38:36]: "My brother beat up my first boyfriend... On my birthday, my brother picked him up and they fought."

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Career Highlights and Key Projects

Amber delves into her significant roles, particularly highlighting her work in "Prey" and upcoming projects "Novocain" and "Opus."

• "Prey": Her role in this culturally significant film reinforced her commitment to authentic Indigenous representation.

  Amber Midthunder [43:41]: "It was so nice for me to be able to have an experience like that where I was, like, working with so many indigenous people."

• "Novocain": Amber discusses taking on roles that diverge from traditional tropes, exploring vulnerability and strength in her characters.

  Amber Midthunder [58:42]: "She is still very feisty and, like, cool and strong. But, yeah, the position she's in in the movie was, like, in so many ways, things I had never done."

• "Opus": Collaborating with legends like John Malkovich and Ayo Adebri, Amber shares memorable moments from the set.

  Amber Midthunder [65:37]: "IO is just like, she's crazy and she's amazing. She's the smartest, most funny person I've ever met in my life."

---

Acting Process and Representation

Amber emphasizes the importance of representation and authenticity in storytelling. She reflects on her audition process and the responsibility of portraying Indigenous characters with integrity.

Amber Midthunder [46:43]: "I genuinely love Dan Trachtenberg with my whole heart... It felt like something that existed outside of me."

She highlights the collaborative environment on set, ensuring that her voice and the voices of her Indigenous colleagues were respected and integral to the storytelling.

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Reflecting on Past and Future

Looking back, Amber offers heartfelt advice to her younger self, advocating for self-acceptance and recognizing her place in the world.

Amber Midthunder [65:49]: "If I could talk to her, I would be like, listen, everything you're doing, keep doing it. And you don't have to be so like, don't feel the need to explain or excuse what you do and just that there is a place for you."

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Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Amber expressing gratitude for her experiences and the supportive community around her. Her journey is a testament to the power of cultural heritage, resilience, and authentic representation in the arts.

Amber Midthunder [67:48]: "This is amazing to talk to you guys and also simultaneously a nightmare for me."

---

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Identity: Amber's Indigenous and Thai heritage plays a crucial role in shaping her personal and professional life.

• Authentic Representation: Her commitment to authentic storytelling ensures meaningful representation in media.

• Personal Growth: Amber's reflections on her early experiences underscore the importance of self-acceptance and resilience.

---

Notable Quotes

• On Cultural Identity:

  "Cultural identity is so interesting because it's like, it's hard to explain to other people how it's like simultaneously the most important... and also it's only one facet of who you are." – Amber Midthunder [13:18]

• On First Crush:

  "I approached him at recess and was like, so you're my boyfriend? And he was like, oh my gosh." – Amber Midthunder [37:06]

• On Representation in Acting:

  "I think when we're let into these spaces, whether it's like a culture focused story or culture focused role or not, there's something really special that we get to like, interject into that space." – Amber Midthunder [13:18]

---

Final Thoughts

Amber Midthunder's candid and insightful narrative offers listeners a rich tapestry of her life, challenges, and triumphs. Her dedication to authentic representation and her dynamic approach to acting make her a compelling figure in today's film landscape. This episode of PodCrushed not only entertains but also inspires, resonating deeply with anyone navigating the complexities of self-discovery and creative expression.

Transcript

[Sophie Ansari]

Lemonade.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I remember I got a role one time on a show when I was like 10. And it was like that day I decided I didn't want to do it. And my mom was like, are you sure? And I was like, yeah, I don't want to do this. And I was like in the bathroom. And I was just like, I don't want to do that. I'm scared. And she was like, okay, okay.

[Sophie Ansari]

And tell them Exactly.

[Penn Badgley]

Welcome to PodCrushed. We're your hosts. I'm Penn.

[Nava Kavlin]

I'm Nava.

[Sophie Ansari]

And I'm Sophie. And I think we would have been.

[Nava Kavlin]

Your middle school besties acting like shameless groupies around our 12 year old crushes. Anyone know what that sound is?

[Penn Badgley]

Yeah, that sound. That sound was. It's actually like a Futurama sound.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Okay. It's great.

[Nava Kavlin]

Let's use it.

[Penn Badgley]

Welcome to PodCrushed. I'm joined by my co hosts, Nava Kavlan and now a year older birthday girl.

[Nava Kavlin]

Birthday girl.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Sylvia. Sorry.

[Penn Badgley]

Happy birthday.

[Nava Kavlin]

I was hoping you might go into the like more exciting Stevie Wonder. Well, that's a rights issue.

[Penn Badgley]

That's a rights issue right there. Actually, Happy Birthday is a rights issue. No matter what. It's still a privately owned song.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Really?

[Nava Kavlin]

Don't you think one of them is expired by now? Who is the OED person is still.

[Sophie Ansari]

Holding on to Happy Birthday. Like they have a private piece of beach or something.

[Penn Badgley]

No, no, this is a real thing because like you can't just sing it in a movie or a TV show. Like, because it's a rights issue. I learned this early, early on. And it's something that's just known and understood in. Yeah, you can't just like sing Happy Birthday. You have to get.

[Sophie Ansari]

It's about time someone came up with.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Okay.

[Nava Kavlin]

I don't think anyone will sue us if we sing it in Persian. So.

[Penn Badgley]

This is. This is where the zoom feedback is just not working. I can't tell who's.

[Sophie Ansari]

Thank you guys for the birthday wishes. I appreciate it.

[Penn Badgley]

Did you get our gift? No.

[Sophie Ansari]

Must have been stuck in the mail. Must be on its way in.

[Penn Badgley]

It's too good.

[Hasan Minhaj]

It happens every time.

[Sophie Ansari]

Is that funny? No, I appreciate it because you know who forgets my birthday? And I have to remind every year. Yeah, David.

[Penn Badgley]

Yeah, that's fair.

[Sophie Ansari]

I've caught on. So I remind him. Well before. Does he just have just so you know. I mean. Yeah, like so he might find out on the day. But he's not. He's not looking.

[Nava Kavlin]

Planning it. I see.

[Sophie Ansari]

What did you did you do.

[Penn Badgley]

What did you do for the Big Three? Oh, I know. That was. It was not. That was. It was a few years back now and.

[Sophie Ansari]

No, that was last year.

[Penn Badgley]

No, that was just.

[Sophie Ansari]

I'm turning 31 this year. Yeah. Actually, I did absolutely nothing. Birthdays really stress me out. Birthday, like celebrations or parties. I feel like I have, like, small disparate groups of friends and the idea of, like, hosting and bringing them together. Oh, in our apartment.

[Penn Badgley]

Yeah.

[Sophie Ansari]

Somehow, for some reason, that gives me so much stress. I'm like, yeah, if I had a yard, I would do it. Or like, I make up these scenarios in my mind, like if I had this or if this was in order. But it's like the fact that it's the fast for Baha'is.

[Nava Kavlin]

It's.

[Sophie Ansari]

Honestly, a mid March birthday is not great.

[Nava Kavlin]

Yeah, that is tough. Yeah. Well, we're happy you were born, Sophie.

[Penn Badgley]

Yes, we are. I also wish that my wife had a little bit of the same condition where she didn't care about birthdays because I gotta say, every year, those are big.

[Hasan Minhaj]

It's a little bit like, all right, how old are we now?

[Penn Badgley]

Do we really need to get everybody together?

[Sophie Ansari]

What's like, Dom's perfect birthday?

[Penn Badgley]

I mean, it's every year. It's every year. It's every year.

[Sophie Ansari]

What's her idea of a perfect birthday?

[Penn Badgley]

She has family, is fun and she's social and she's a Sagittarius, you know, so they're supposed to be social.

[Sophie Ansari]

I didn't know that, but now I do.

[Penn Badgley]

It's just so funny if it's true. Yeah, she so, like, this last, she. She turned 42 and we got like. We got like a hundred people together.

[Nava Kavlin]

That's awesome.

[Sophie Ansari]

In a club.

[Penn Badgley]

It was like a club.

[Hasan Minhaj]

We were.

[Penn Badgley]

And we danced like midnight and we had to, you know, like, I was waking up the next day at 5.

[Sophie Ansari]

O'Clock, which is like 5am Happy birthday, my dear.

[Nava Kavlin]

You know who feels like a party? Who really felt like a party today was our guest. Honestly, she brought so much, like, energy and vigor to the space. I really refreshed.

[Penn Badgley]

Yeah, she brought some youthful pizzazz. Cause Soph is now aged out of youth.

[Nava Kavlin]

Yeah. We no longer have a young person on the staff.

[Penn Badgley]

We have Amber Midthunder, the actor you might know from Prey of the Predator franchise. Also the last Airbender of the Avatar franchise, the other Avatar franchise. This week she has two films out on the same day, which is remarkable. What a feast. And they both look quite good and quite different in a way. One is called Nova Kane, starring her and Jack Quaid, about a man who just spends all of his time at the dentist. Yeah, it's thrilling and it's. Yeah, it's inside someone's mouth.

[Hasan Minhaj]

It's a horror film.

[Nava Kavlin]

It's a POV from inside someone's mouth the whole time.

[Penn Badgley]

No, it's about a guy who can't feel pain and has gotta save the girl, more or less. And then there's a film Opus, which is like a comedic horror starring John Malkovich and IO Adebri. So I don't know what more you need. Except for Amber Midthunder today, who we have with us. She was a true delight. A ray of light. You're gonna love this one. Stick around.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I'm Hasan Minhaj, and I have been lying to you. I only pretended to be a comedian so I could trick important people into coming on my podcast. Hasan Minhaj doesn't know to ask them the tough questions that real journalists are way too afraid to ask. People like Senator Elizabeth Warren. Is America too dumb for democracy? Outrageous. Parenting expert Dr. Becky. How do you skip consequences without raising a psychopath? That's a good question. Listen to Hasan Minhaj doesn't know From Lemonada Media. Wherever you get your podcasts, suffering is inevitable, and it sucks, but we're still expected to thrive. Everything Happens is a podcast for people who are tired of coffee, monk platitudes and want something with a little more teeth and a lot more heart. Each week, Duke professor Kate Bowler talks with guests like Glennon Doyle, Sharon McMahan, and Coach K about grief, absurdity, and the beautiful, terrible days we actually live through. No hustle culture, no silver linings, just.

[Nava Kavlin]

Real talk and good company.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Listen to Everything Happens wherever you get your podcasts.

[Penn Badgley]

So you are aware of the framework of this show? Like, we start at 12. We. We focus on adolescence for a bit, if not a long time sometimes, and then we.

[Hasan Minhaj]

And then we go off.

[Penn Badgley]

Okay.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Pretend I know nothing, but yes, I'm a big fan of your show.

[Penn Badgley]

Okay, awesome. Well, thank you. I think the feeling is mutual for all three of us now that we've seen so much of your work. So we're gonna get into that, but we're gonna start at 12. What was 12 year old life like for Amber? Day to day, school, family, friends.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I was just like an artsy fartsy little. Like, the world doesn't understand me. I am 100 years old, but I'm only 12. You know, like, I just felt like I was. I felt like I had just like, lived forever. This was also Twilight was very popular at the time. So you were Bella. It was Bella, but also Edward, but also Jacob. I was like, all three of them wrapped into, like, one amber burrito, multi size.

[Penn Badgley]

Wait, could. If you could describe each one of them with one word, what would they be? Like? What. Like, what is Bella? What is Edward? And what is. What's the other one?

[Sophie Ansari]

Jacob.

[Nava Kavlin]

Jacob.

[Penn Badgley]

Jacob.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Jacob.

[Sophie Ansari]

Yes.

[Penn Badgley]

Sorry.

[Sophie Ansari]

Then giving you the biggest eye roll.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Okay, I see what team you're on. Very rude. Okay. I mean, I feel like Bella is like. It's more. It's more body language. I feel like Bella was this. She was this one, you know, she was very like. Yeah. Yes, Yes. I feel like Edward is the. Have you guys seen the memes of, like, the way he only sits with one finger? He'll like, every time he sits down in a scene, he'll, like, put his fingers on the table.

[Penn Badgley]

No, I have not seen this. That sounds amazing.

[Hasan Minhaj]

No, there's like, compilation videos of, like, in the movie. Every time he, like, sits down, he'll first do this.

[Sophie Ansari]

It's like, delicate on the surface near.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Him, which I feel like is very like. It's precise. Right. Like, he's like. He's always ready to go.

[Nava Kavlin]

Yeah.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Nothing is an accident. And then I feel like Jacob is the. He's the meme of like, running around, running around the house when he's like, loco. Where you been?

[Penn Badgley]

Wait. I want to say that you have the most infectious and unironic love of Twilight, of anybody, not only on the show, but anybody I've ever met. I'm just like, wow, I've been missing out. I've truly been missing out.

[Sophie Ansari]

We need to get you and Robert Pattinson in a room because the two of you going through the great worth would be amazing.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I highly suggest that we all rewatch it immediately when those calls are done. It's so great.

[Nava Kavlin]

A friend, Lily, who texts me frequently. Loca, where you been?

[Hasan Minhaj]

I love it. So it'll never die. That's the thing. I think I'll be like 87 years old with like a billion grandchildren and I'll still talk to them in Twilight.

[Nava Kavlin]

That's great.

[Sophie Ansari]

Yeah, amazing.

[Hasan Minhaj]

So, yeah, so it was big. That was a big part of me at 12. Yeah. But yeah, I think that I was just very, like. I think I was very creative. I, you know, kind of like, grew up with, like, I have older siblings. They would, like, live with us sometimes and then sometimes not. So there is like a weird, like, I was like the baby of our family. But also, I think there's, like, only child things in the sense of, like, I grew up out in the country, and so, like, there was a lot of, like, just having to, like, entertain myself with, like, me and some sticks, you know, like, me and the dogs.

[Nava Kavlin]

Yeah.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah. I grew up. Mostly. We moved around, but, like, mostly in Santa Fe at that time. I was in Santa Fe, and so, like, I just went to this, like, small charter school that I think tried to be art focused, but it was very small. And so, you know, we didn't have, like. We didn't have any sports teams. We didn't have really much of anything. And so, like, I think it was a lot of just kind of, like, being left to your own devices and being like, okay, what are you going to find that, like, entertains you? What are you going to find that you enjoy? And it was a lot of, like. I think it was a lot of that. I think I really, like, turned inward, and I was, like, probably, like, obnoxiously. Like, I took myself really seriously, and I think I really thought I was intellectual, which I can't imagine, like, how that was for my mom, you know, to talk to me and just be like, no, mom, you don't understand. This is philosophy. But, yeah, that was where I think that that paints the picture of, like, me at 12.

[Nava Kavlin]

Hmm.

[Sophie Ansari]

Amber, you're. You're both indigenous and Thai, and, of course, ethnicity, race, culture, those are, like the. That's, like, the water that you're swimming in, and it infuses, like, every part of your life. But I'm curious how those two cultures, what role they played in your upbringing and, like, how they intermingled.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah, I mean, I think that it's like, that's everything, right? Like, that is your foundation. That is your kind of the background of everything that informs everything about you. Like, day I wake up, I am the mix that I am. You know, I was born on the Navajo reservation, which is not my reservation. My reservation's in Montana. It's called Fort Peck. But my brothers are Navajo. So, like, I was born on their res. And then, like I said, we moved around. And then my mom, she's half Thai, Chinese, and half white, and she was born in Thailand, lived there until she was a toddler, and then she was adopted and grew up in America. So, like, my indigenous culture is the culture that was, like, my primary. That was, like, everything that I grew up with, you know, that was, like, the language that was spoken in my house. Those were, like, the ceremonies I went to that was like, you know, my family that I knew and stuff like that. And so it's like, I think it's not. It's cultural identity is so interesting because it's like, it's hard to explain to other people how it's like simultaneously the most important. It's like the thing that means the most to you. And also it's only one facet of who you are. Of course, when you come from like marginalized communities or like a minority community, you are all of those things. You are. You are like every single one of, you know, your ancestors who came before you. And yet, like, you're also just like a girl who likes a Twilight fan. Yeah, Twilight fan.

[Sophie Ansari]

Yeah.

[Hasan Minhaj]

There's like team. Everyone loves Twilight, especially as indigenous people, you know, when it comes to specifically storytelling, it's like we have been doing this since the beginning of time. Like, so many of us don't even have written languages. This is how we've kept our languages alive. This is how we've kept our cultures and our histories and our lineage alive. Like, this is how we preserved everything that we have. And so, you know, it's like, I think when we're let into these spaces, whether it's like a culture focused story or culture focused role or not, I think just naturally there's something really special that we get to like, interject into that space that maybe somebody else will look at and go like, wow, it was so cool. Like, there's just this like, thing that's happening. But really it's that like, you know, when you, when you like enter a room, it's not just you that's entering the room. It's like all of those things that have come before you.

[Sophie Ansari]

That was put so well.

[Penn Badgley]

I'm curious thinking again of that day to day as an adolescent. Like, so first of all, you were on set, as I understand it, at nine years old. You were in a film at nine, is that right? Cause you're both. Your parents were sort of.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah, so both my parents work in the film industry.

[Penn Badgley]

Okay.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Okay. They both got into movies by accident. And so it's not like it was. It was. It's kind of hard to explain like, what that dynamic was like for me because it almost like didn't. It was truly just like my parents jobs, you know, it wasn't like, especially growing up in New Mexico. I think my parents very consciously, like, because we lived in California for a time when I was young. I think we lived in California from the time I was like maybe like five to nine for my dad's acting career. And I think, you know, very consciously they were like, no, we don't want to, we don't want to do this. We don't want to live here. We want her to like be a real kid and like live in the middle of nowhere and just kind of have, have a. I think just to grow up in a way that felt really grounded and really like far away from any of that. So, you know, my mom is casting director and like I grew up in her office. Like my, I was, I think for my like 8th birthday, my parents bought me like a pink Disney like princess tent that had like a blow up air mattress in the bottom and it lived in her casting office. So like every day after school that's where I would go and that's where I would do my homework. So be like listening to actors audition and like, I didn't, you know, you don't, nobody explained that to me. So you would just kind of, you're like, I don't know, I just have to be quiet sometimes. And that's kind of like all you think about. And like my dad, when he would like, you know, have a job or whatever, like I remember I would like read his lines and I would like memorize, like when he was memorizing them, I would memorize them and like, I just thought that it was like a cool. I just thought I was like, isn't this so impressive? I can say so many words from my memory. Like, that was what I had. Like, that was what I thought was like the greatest skill set. So I think it's like not surprising that I ended up here. But I think my parents were very conscious to like not ever suggest or connect anything close to like what they did to what I could do. You know, I think that they were very like intentional about having having me like think about anything. And I did. I cycled through like so many other. I was 17 when I moved to LA to act. But like, I feel like I had so much more before that because there were so many other things that I wanted to do. Like, I at one point thought I was going to be a nutritionist. I thought I was going to be a makeup artist. I thought I was like, there's so many other things that I like, loved first.

[Penn Badgley]

Was MMA in there or is this the Internet?

[Hasan Minhaj]

MMA was in there.

[Penn Badgley]

Okay.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I did think I was going to be an MMA fighter at one point, just because.

[Penn Badgley]

How close did you get?

[Hasan Minhaj]

I went, I think I did two tournaments when I was about 12.

[Penn Badgley]

Okay. No, but that's, that's like the tournament is more, is much more than just a class.

[Hasan Minhaj]

It's not an MMA fight though. I really, this is what I mean, I really thought a lot of myself at the time, but also a fighter, I could handle a fight. It's funny because now I like, stopped fighting for a long time and now I'm prepping for a job and that like, involves a lot of fighting. We're doing a lot of training and it's like to re enter this space that I, it feels like I've never done it at all. So it's like to re enter this space where it's like I have like this like a woman who is a real Muay Thai fighter. Like, even just when she's trading me, if she like taps me a little bit or if she'll like move around me, I'm like, you're so fat. Where did you go? You're so fast. It's like funny to me now to think that I was like, yeah, I could do that.

[Sophie Ansari]

Yeah, that's incredible.

[Nava Kavlin]

Well, I feel like there's, I don't know if like feisty is the right word or just like strength. Maybe is is better, but I'm really struck by. I was, you know, doing, doing some research about you over the weekend and listening to you on different podcasts and there was a story that you told regarding, like, from an early age, you knew the career path that you wanted and you were really clear that, like, I think you said you didn't want to be on a Disney path, you wanted to be on the winter's bone path. And I was really struck by that, like, at your young age, that like, that's the one. And that like Jennifer Lawrence and Viola Davis were your idols. And I was just curious, I was curious about a few things. Like, one is how did you have like the. I don't know what the word is. I don't know if it's confidence or self assurance to know really clearly and to not be like, I feel like a Disney path is really alluring for a young girl. So sort of like, what do you think about? You sort of made that not alluring. And how did your team reply to like you at a young age being like, no, I'm not gonna do that one, which is the well worn path for most young actors. I want this other one.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I think. Well, yeah, I do. I think I just like had a psychotic, like confidence in myself. I think I really did. Like when I moved to LA at first, I Think I just had this, like, believing and thinking as if all the things that I wanted had already been accomplished or that, like, I think I saw myself as, like, a very fully realized thing. It felt like something that existed outside of me. It wasn't even like, this is what I want to do. It's like, this is the only thing that I can do. It's more like, this is what I'm built for. And they. How did my team respond? They did, in fact, send me out on a lot of Disney auditions. So they were like, that's cute. You're 17. And I ended up on a show. I ended up on a Nickelodeon show. Got fired from that Nickelodeon show immediately. And then I think everyone was like, oh, yeah, she's not. She was right. She's not going for this. And I was like, yeah, I told you. I tried. I tried.

[Nava Kavlin]

Can I ask. I'm not trying to, like, stir the pot at all. And we can cut this if you're not comfortable, but why did you get fired?

[Penn Badgley]

I fired you.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah.

[Nava Kavlin]

Why? Or why? Why did you get fired?

[Hasan Minhaj]

It was such an interesting. It actually was a very interesting time. I was in a movie called Hell or High Water. I had in the morning a scene with Ben Foster, and in the evening, I had a scene with Jeff Bridges. And I remember, like, all the feelings leading up to that, and it was like. Like, I knew who Jeff Bridges was. And I was like, yeah, that's crazy. That's amazing. He's a legend. And I remember, like, looking up Ben Foster, and I had, like, seen some of his movies, like, watched some of his interviews. I remember we, like, walked in to the hotel that we were checking into, me and my mom. And there's this guy in the lobby who, like, walked out. And I remember I just, like, couldn't even breathe when I saw him. And it. And I remember we, like, looked at each other, and then he, like, immediately walked out of the lobby, and I was like, I think that was him. And our scene that we had together, which is not in the movie, was, like, very intense. It was like he walks into a bank. I'm in there alone. He, like, pulls the gun on me and, like, makes, like, a bunch of crazy threats, robs me. And then he's, like, out. And, like, we didn't do any rehearsals. Like, you know, we didn't. Like, there was nothing. It was just very, like, we'll. We'll feel it. We'll feel it on the day. And I remember that was, like, the first time, like, I had kind of different little, like, markers of like, when I felt kind of the rush of like, I don't know, the acting bug, I guess, of like when, you know, this kind of like infectious and addictive feeling that made me go like, oh, I. That's what I have to do forever. I had this, like, crazy out of body experience where it like, felt like somebody else, like, came into my body, shoved me out, like, took over. And then as soon as the scene was done, it was like everything came back to normal. And it kept happening, like over and over and over all day. And that was the first time that I. That was, I think, the biggest time that I was like, yeah, this is. This is it. And what's funny about that is that the day before that I had done a tape for this Nickelodeon show. I was like, I don't know, I guess I'll just do this tape whatever. My, you know, my agents want me to do it that day because I had left my phone in my trailer that day. I came back, it was like a Friday. I had a bunch of calls from my agents and they were like, you got booked on this Nickelodeon show. It starts filming on Monday, you know, you got to come back to la, blah, blah, blah, showed up and it was like, listen this. Everybody has different things that they like, and that's all fine and everybody is different creatively. It was just not the space for me. And I remember I showed up and it could not have been more the opposite of what I had just experienced like, 72 hours earlier where it was very like, you know, it was like in these stages and it's like dressing rooms and every. It's all moving very quickly and everyone's like. And it just is all very, like, I think light and kind of unserious and like, it was just. It was everything that I wasn't built for. And it was such an interesting experience to kind of like have those two next to each other. And I think it was very, like, confirming for me about, like, everything I wanted to do and the direction that I wanted to go in, just like with my career and creatively. And then there was also some other stuff and then. Move her down.

[Nava Kavlin]

That's an incredible story, Amber.

[Penn Badgley]

I don't know Ben well, but I know his brother John, and I know others who are close to him. And it's. He is. He is an enigmatic, really interesting force as an artist. And I. And I. It's. There's something about the way you told that story that kind of. That kind of clicks and makes sense.

[Hasan Minhaj]

That'S the only interaction we've ever had. I've not seen him. I've not worked with him since then. That's so interesting.

[Penn Badgley]

And it sounds like you hang out or speak much outside of at the time.

[Hasan Minhaj]

No, it was interesting because that actually was his picture rap, that scene.

[Penn Badgley]

Oh.

[Hasan Minhaj]

And so he. I remember he, like, rapped. Everyone was clapping, and he came back in the bank, and he immediately ran to me and he gave me, like, the biggest hug. I was still like, you just tried to kill me five seconds ago.

[Nava Kavlin]

Can I get a little space, please?

[Hasan Minhaj]

And he was just. And he was so kind. I remember he, like, gave me this big hog. And he was just like, you know, he was just being very kind, and he was like, you know, you're so talented, so wonderful. Da, da, da. But what's funny about being from New Mexico and also being a child of the crew is that, you know everybody on the crew. And so I remember somebody on the crew was like, yeah, that was like, all he talked about for the rest of the day was that scene and that interaction and kind of like all of all of that. So, yeah, it was very cool. It was very interesting. And I think, yeah, as like, a young person, I don't know, it's like, as we get older, I think we gain, like, intellect and experience and all these things. And it's, I think, kind of a good reminder that it's like, you don't always need that. I think everything is a little cliche, but it's like, everything is already in there. You know, it's like that. You really just, like. It's helpful, right? It's helpful to, like, gain experience. It's helpful to, like, gain knowledge and wisdom and have things to compare and educate yourself. But it's also, like, it's not always necessary. Like, sometimes you just. It is really just about, like, I think, having grit and, like, showing up.

[Penn Badgley]

I like what you're saying because for all of the. Yeah. Experience brings a lot, surely, wisdom and insight. That's always nice to have. But with acting, you can be. You can really be, I think, just untaught and instinctual, like you're saying. And it can be kind of the best thing. It can be. Great.

[Nava Kavlin]

Stick around. We'll be right back.

[Penn Badgley]

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[Sophie Ansari]

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[E]

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[Penn Badgley]

Can we back up a little bit? Because I think what's still a little. Not only do we have our classic middle school questions, you know, like, like first crush, first.

[Nava Kavlin]

Penn's favorites.

[Sophie Ansari]

Yeah, you know he's saying that. Paste that in his mouth.

[Nava Kavlin]

He's the architect of the classical.

[Hasan Minhaj]

First.

[Penn Badgley]

What is it? Embarrassing story. No, what is it?

[Hasan Minhaj]

As if you didn't write it.

[Penn Badgley]

Pod. What? I guess I'm curious how like when was it specifically you described yourself in the beginning as this like artsy kid and you took yourself maybe too seriously or whatever it was, you know, when did performing specifically emerge for you as like, okay, it's, it's. I'm pulled to it, I like it, you know, maybe I love it, but that's not even yet a profession. You know what I mean? So, so when, so I guess it's. It's unclear to me when you started to actually like audition when you really felt like, you know what I mean? Like, I'm just kind of curious about that.

[Hasan Minhaj]

So, so how I said that I would like, I was just like a little kid in my mom's casting office and so that turned into like, what are you doing? What are these people? Why are they here? Basically like I just started working in her office from the time I was like really little. Like, I just got really curious. I really enjoyed it. I don't know why I thought it was like so cool and so fun, like the casting process and just like having auditions, having actors come in and audition, I thought was so cool. And so I would like, you know, the deal was like, if I could finish my homework in time, I could like help with auditions. And so I would like finish my homework and then I would like bring, you know, like actors in and out of the room was just like, that's probably the most responsibility you can give a 10 year old in that environment. So it's like I would like call actors in and out of the room. Eventually I started running camera and then I think it was around the time that I was like, I want to say like 12 or 13 that I started reading like, you know, I started reading these actors in their auditions and it just, I can't even describe like the feeling that it had. But I remember that was, I think the first time where I was like, well, what is that? And it wasn't even like something I consciously thought about. It was just a feeling. And it was that, like, looking back, I recognize it. But I think at the time it was just like, oh, you know how like, your heart starts beating and you have like, all this adrenaline for like two minutes and then all of a sudden the actor leaves and then another one comes in and then it happens all over again. Like, that was kind of my. My experience of that. And then of course it would. Like, there were different times when we would, like, go to set with my dad and visit and stuff. But I think that was like, I was younger then and I had no understanding. Like, that at the time was very like, why do you dress different than everyone else? Why do you stand far away? And then everyone gets very quiet again and then you come back and everyone's very loud. Like, that was. It was very, like very, very basic understanding. So it was really that. It was really like working in the casting office. And I was very lucky because I also got to like, sit in on callbacks with the directors and kind of like, watch the process of like, people getting like, isn't like directors choosing actors for roles. I got to see that so early. Like, that was because I. I didn't go to acting school. I was never really a class person. Like, I didn't. I didn't ever like, formally train. It just wasn't for me. But that was really my, like, introduction to like, the actual business side. And so, like, I thought I was going to work in casting. Honestly, I loved casting. I was like, oh, this is what I'll do. And I don't remember, like, consciously choosing acting. It just. It just became clear. I was in my school plays and I was like, in a couple non union commercials. And my mom would like, let me audition for movies or whatever if they were like, in New Mexico. It's also like a small industry at the time, so it wasn't like there was like, a lot going on. So, yeah, it was all kind of like woven together, but just with like always, always tailored around, like, do you feel like doing, like, what do you want to do? Do you feel like doing this? Do you not feel like doing this? I remember I got a role one time on a show when I was like 10, and it was like, that day I decided I didn't want to do it. And my mom was like, all right, are you sure? And I was like, yeah, I Don't want to do this. And I was like, in that thing. And I was just like, I don't want to do it. I'm scared.

[Sophie Ansari]

And she was like, okay, you go and tell them.

[Hasan Minhaj]

She's like, all right, well, you're gonna go talk to your grandmother, and then your grandma's gonna talk to her. No. Yeah. So it was very much always like, what do you want to do?

[Nava Kavlin]

You know, Amber, we do want to talk about some of your new projects, but we have to ask you some of these classic questions. So tell us about your first love, first crush, first heartbreak.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I think my first crush was probably in kindergarten. I. I am just also, like, when don't I have a crush? I literally will have a new crush, like, every five seconds. It's a great way to live. Yeah. I think I had a crush on we. My kindergarten teacher. You know, we had, like, little assigned seats, and there was, like, glue. There was, like, you know, like, glitter glue, little, like, triangle squares, whatever. And you would, like, sit on, like, your row is triangle. Your row is blue. Squ. And whatever. There's, like, a boy named Colby who was, like, diagonal to me. And I remember I was like, that's my boyfriend. And I think I approached him at recess and was like, so you're my boyfriend? And he was like, oh, my gosh.

[Sophie Ansari]

Amazing.

[Nava Kavlin]

You really are. You're so bold.

[Sophie Ansari]

Yeah, I feel like that's really rare. Like, most of the stories you hear, at least my experience in school is like.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Like.

[Sophie Ansari]

Like as far from that as possible, you know? Like, you. You tell your friend, and then you get your friend to tell their friend, and their friend tells them, and then you never talk. And so, like, that. That is amazing.

[Hasan Minhaj]

That's ironically me now.

[Sophie Ansari]

Yeah.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah. I've lost all of that boldness with my ears.

[Nava Kavlin]

So what did he say?

[Hasan Minhaj]

I think he was like, okay, yeah, it's done. I Listen, first day of kindergarten, already has a girlfriend.

[Sophie Ansari]

Yeah, that's true.

[Nava Kavlin]

That's true.

[Hasan Minhaj]

He's the man. So, yeah, if I. If I remember correctly, but I feel like that was what happened. I remember recess being like, you want to be my boyfriend? And he was like, yes. And that was that. And I think we probably dated for, like, a whole hour.

[Nava Kavlin]

There you go.

[Hasan Minhaj]

It was very standalone.

[Nava Kavlin]

Okay. What about first heartbreak?

[Hasan Minhaj]

Well, it's a great story, but I'm like, I don't know if I can tell this.

[Nava Kavlin]

Only tell what you're comfortable sharing, you know? Yeah. No pressure.

[Hasan Minhaj]

It's not. It's not about me.

[Nava Kavlin]

Oh, you broke Someone else's heart?

[Hasan Minhaj]

No, it's. My brother beat up my first boyfriend. But it was really cool. It's a great story. I just don't know if I'm like, yeah, I don't know.

[Penn Badgley]

Yeah. Did you deserve it?

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah.

[Penn Badgley]

Okay.

[Hasan Minhaj]

100%.

[Nava Kavlin]

Okay.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I was in high school and I didn't know this was all. It all happened later. But, yeah, I. My first boyfriend was my freshman year of high school, and he broke my heart. And apparently when my brother. My brothers and my dad are all very protective. I am the youngest sibling. I'm the only girl. And when they met, my brother said, if you break her heart, I'll break your face. And he meant that. And yeah, he broke my heart. And I guess this all happened. I did not know any of this. Very important to say that. But on the record. On the record, yeah. On my birthday, my brother. My mom, like, picked me up from school. And then after I was gone from school, my brother came by and picked up. This is the story as I understand it. Picked up my ex boyfriend, which almost like, why would you go with him? You know, he's crazy. But yeah, picked him up and then they fought. And then the next day he came to school with a bloody nose or like a broken. No, I don't know, purple face. And I just, like, knew in my heart. I remember I, like, saw him turned around in the hallway, called my brother. He didn't pick up. Called my brother again. He didn't pick up. Call my brother again. And I said. He said, hello. And I said, so and so's face. And he said, happy birthday, kid. And then he hung up the phone on me and I was like, wow. Yeah. So that was the first. That was my first heartbreak. It was crazy.

[Sophie Ansari]

That is really like a scene from a movie.

[Hasan Minhaj]

At the time I was very upset, but now I'm like, yeah, that's what happens.

[Nava Kavlin]

That's funny because we had a guest, Noah Centineo, who's.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Who.

[Nava Kavlin]

A boy spoke inappropriately about his sister and his dad asked him to beat the boy up, but he basically just talked as though he were going to beat the boy up and couldn't bring himself to do it. So in your case, your brother did it. Yeah.

[Hasan Minhaj]

No. Yeah.

[Nava Kavlin]

Noah was like, yeah, I'm gonna. I'm supposed to. I'm supposed to beat you up. And that was like the end of it. Yes.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Maybe that works too. Yeah.

[Sophie Ansari]

The final question we have about middle school specifically is do you remember any embarrassing stories from that time?

[Hasan Minhaj]

I feel like all the embarrassing stuff from like middle school is like Facebook. When you look back at like the Facebook posts, like the little messenger, everybody, like, loved the different, like email messengers and like all those things. And you would, like, do all the. And like, I feel like photo booth was a really big deal at that time. So, like, I remember, like being at sleepovers with my friends and Tumblr was a big deal at the time. So I remember we were like all trying to get Tumblr famous. We were like all trying to be like Tumblr girls. And I remember just like everything or I remember, like, I remember this. I remember. I think I was in the seventh grade and I had this group of friends and we all had crashes because our school was seventh grade through 12th grade. And so I think we all had crushes and probably like, like one grade up from us, you know, or like two grades up from us or something. And we thought we were like, so sneaky. And so we create like code names for them, you know, like whatever. Our guy's name is like James. You call him Jim. And we'd be like, I am a genius. I am the FBI.

[Penn Badgley]

Not even sure that's a new code name. That's a nickname.

[Hasan Minhaj]

That's.

[Sophie Ansari]

That's a common nickname for James at the time.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Felt like a nickname. And I remember we would like, write. I remember like one time, like, we would like write their, like, code names, like, on our arms with like, hearts and stuff like that. And I remember being like. Remember, like me and my friends at one point were like sitting on the lockers and I had a crush on this guy who was like a real like emo rocker guy guy. And he like walked by and like flipped his hair. And I remember I actually full lung, like, screamed out loud. And he was, I want to say, about 12ft away from me. I remember going like, I was looking at Faith. Like, I was, wow. And all of my friends, because that is contagious. All of my friends also screamed. So there were like 912 year old girl, like middle school girls all screaming because this one guy like flipped his hair. Oh my God.

[Nava Kavlin]

He had a K pop experience.

[Hasan Minhaj]

And we were like. But at the same time, we were like, he'll never know. And they all knew. Spoiler alert. They all knew. And this was not just me. This was the whole friend group. We each had this.

[Nava Kavlin]

That's so charming. That's really precious, actually.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah. Wow.

[Nava Kavlin]

Amber, from that to your incredibly, like, badass career, tell us about your process with Prey. I mean, that feels like a really significant role for you. And maybe just like the audition and your experience on that set, anything that stands out that you can share with us.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah, I mean, I could do. I feel like I could do a whole podcast series on this movie. It's, you know, it changed my life. And the audition process was like, wildly conventional. I was, I think I have to assume they did a self tape. I don't even remember. I do remember early 2020. It was like February of 2020. I did a Skype audition with the director, Dan Trachtenberg. I was working on something. I was working on a movie in Canada. And so we did Skype audition together. I had no idea what the movie was. It was just like it was under a code name, you know, it was the, like, all you had were the audition scenes. Those didn't tell you anything. It was very much like, there's a monster in the woods kind of vibe, but you don't know what that is. And I remember being very suspicious that, like, why. Why does this, like, big studio want to do a movie, like a period piece film without native people? I remember being like, this feels bad. But Dan seemed very lovely and that was it. And that was like, all I thought about it. And then Covid happened and it like, disappeared for like a year and a half. I remember hearing at the time being like, skulls was the code name. I remember they were like, oh, like, my team told me like, you're the top choice for Skulls. And I was like, that's great. What is this movie? Yeah. And they were like, I don't know, but you're the top choice and that's great. And I was like, okay, disappeared for like a year and a half, came back. Just like one day my manager called me and he was like, skulls is back. You're still their first choice. I had absolutely no recollection of what this was. I was like, what are. What are you saying? And he was like, you know that movie Skulls? And I was like, I don't remember. And so he, like, sent it to me again. And I was like, oh, that. And then, like, it all happened very quickly. All of a sudden it was like that day he called me, it was like the next day he found. He was like, in a couple days, you're going to fly to la. You're going to do a screen test the next day. He was like, oh, this is a predator movie. And when he told me that, I immediately burst into tears. And they were not like, this is amazing. What an incredible opportunity. Tears. It was like full anxiety. I remember just being Like, I. I don't really understand what this means. I.

[E]

Why.

[Hasan Minhaj]

You know, like, I still had a lot of questions, and I think a lot of that was like. That it was exciting, but it was also, like, very scary in terms of, like, representation and, like, culture. And I just remember thinking that, like, that's a really big responsibility. It sounds like that's going to be a really big responsibility. And the. Like, that can't. That could be so great. But also, like, you know, what if that goes wrong? And I didn't know Dan at the time. I hadn't read the script when I was told, so it's like, I had no concept of kind of, like, what they were planning to do.

[Penn Badgley]

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I mean, it's very scary.

[Penn Badgley]

You wouldn't think that the Predator franchise would necessarily try to do that or if it would try. That it could do it with, like, integrity. You know what I mean?

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah. Just any. It's so hard. And I think at that time, like, Reservation Dongs hadn't come out yet. Like, Reservoir Falls hadn't come out yet. Go ahead. There's so many things that, like, thinking around those few years of, like, 20, 21 and forward, we made, like, huge leaps in, like, indigenous voices being able to, like, create for ourselves, but we. It was, like, right before that, so it was, like, very, I think, like, intimidating time in terms of, like. I think I was concerned about, like, how much will I be able to say, how much little, like, my input and my, you know, what type of voice will I have? And I think I didn't want to be in a position where I felt voiceless or, like, I felt like I was just kind of, like, forced into being, like, the face of this thing that I didn't feel comfortable with or didn't believe in. And fortunately, like, that experience was the. It could not have been more the opposite of that. Like, I. I genuinely, like, I love Dan Trachtenberg with my whole heart. And, like, you know, we had, like. He later brought on a Comanche producer, you know, movies about Comanche people. He brought on a Comanche producer named Jane Myers, who was, like, so, like, everything culturally, he deferred to her. He was very open with every indigenous person on our set, being like, if you haven't. Like, nobody had a bad idea. He was never, like, bigger than anybody's input. And that, I think, was so. You know, and he. He. It was so important, and it was so encouraging to see. Like, it really did not feel like we were making this, like, big Studio movie. It felt like we were just all kind of a collective team there to make a thing. And it wasn't really, like, it didn't always feel like even a Predator movie. It didn't even always feel like, like a movie. It just felt like something that we were all trying to, like, push forward together. And so I think that that's so much of, like, why it became what it was. And it was so, like, it was so nice for me to be able to have an experience like that where I was, like, working with both with, like, so many indigenous people. I had also never gotten to work with so many native people on a project before. And so for me, there was just this, like, level of, like, comfort and, like, joy. I think that I had never, like, that. I realized also that I was like, oh, I want to feel this all the time. This is all I want to do ever, you know, is, like, be around the people who understand things that you can't explain to other people. So it was like, actually, really everything that I was afraid of, it turned out to be the opposite. And I was just so, so thankful for that.

[Sophie Ansari]

That's so nice.

[Penn Badgley]

That's beautiful.

[Sophie Ansari]

I heard that Dan Trachtenberg was originally considering, like, didn't know if he was going to do it in Comanche or in English, and that maybe you auditioned at one point in both. And I'm curious about what you thought about the decision to eventually do it in English.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah, he. We did do that. We auditioned in both English and Comanche. And I remember. I don't know, I think I was, like. I think I was very curious about, like, why. I was, truthfully, I think very curious about why he wanted to do that. And it was, like, I think really spoke to his, like, early belief of, like, that he really genuinely wanted to, like, showcase or he really wanted to, like, include, I think, as much like, I think he really wanted to, like, include as much accuracy as he could into this. Like, I think what he did was he, like, infused this, like, movie that is, like, exciting and it's sci fi, and it's not kind of a movie that you would look to for, like, a culture, like a history lesson, right? But I think he wanted to, like, infuse as much of that, like, unseen history in a respectful way as possible. And, you know, I think that that's, like, part of what he does is he, like, takes things you don't see and that you might not even consider as, like, entertaining. And then he, like, makes them so fun and exciting and interesting and So I think that, like, you know, eventually we landed on, like, doing the English version. And he just wanted to, like, put in as much Comanche as possible. So that just looked like a lot of like, on the day being like, like, hey, Jing, how do you say this in Comanche? Okay, let's just do it like that. Which is crazy because I don't speak Comanche. That's not my language. But we did it. And then we later recorded, you know, everybody came back and we all voiced over our own characters entirely in Comanche. And they, like, worked with the Comanche language department and different, like, Comanche language speakers. We were the first, I forget how you say it, but we were the first time that a movie was like, being released in a native language. Like other movies have been released in native languages. But, like, post release, that was the first time that we, like, on the release, release a native language version of our movie.

[Sophie Ansari]

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[Nava Kavlin]

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[Penn Badgley]

I mean, it sounds like you have more down the pipeline, but at least, like, right now, there's sort of two really on the.

[Hasan Minhaj]

On the.

[Penn Badgley]

On the brink of coming out. You have Novocaine and Opus. And with Novocain, I noticed that maybe for the first time ever, couldn't tell because we've only seen the trailer, but you play like a woman in distress. You know what I mean? Like, you're like, you. You're finally the one who's being captured, and you're finally the one who's a little bit more, if not totally helpless. You know what I mean? So now I'm sure there's. It seems like a movie that probably diverges from every sort of trope there is. So I don't know what else there is in for you there, but what were you conscious of that when you went into it? You're like, oh, I'm not the one who's doing all the fighting this time. Or I'm not. You know, it's like, it's. It's a. It's a. It's it was a divergent for you, so. So just tell us a little bit about that.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah, it was very. I mean, it was an interesting. It was a very different experience for me to experience an action movie where I had so little action, but it was cool. It was like. I had never. Not to say that I was, like, coasting, but comparatively. I mean, like, Jack on this movie, he was just dying, you know, like, every day. He had all kinds of crazy stuff to do. He was so exhausted. He had big action sequences. He was, like, on this crazy meal program, and he was in the gym all the time. And I had, like, two weeks off in the middle of this where, like, my mom and my best friend came to Cape Town, and we just, like, went to the spa and, like, visiting the mountains, went to the townships and hung out with our, like, friends and stuff, like. And it was, like, so cool. And then I would see Jack and he'd be like, how are you? I know what that feels like, and it's not me this time. So, yeah, it was, like, different, but it was cool. I mostly took this movie because I was really excited to work with Jack, actually. So the director of Prey, Dan Trachtenberg, also directed the pilot of the Boys. And so when we were shooting, he would always talk to me about Jack, and he was just like, oh, you're like, whatever. He was like, you guys really remind me of each other. It would be so cool to see you guys work together one day. Da, da, da. Like, that would be such a triple combo. You have to meet. He's so cool. He came to our premiere. I didn't meet him there. And so we kind of just kept missing each other. And then this movie came up, and I really love Dan and Bobby, the directors. I'd seen a couple of their movies, and I thought that they were really cool. And I saw that Jack was attached, and I was like, oh, my God, that sounds so amazing. And so I, like, read the script that night, and this character was very different for me. You know, she's still. I'm very intentional about, like, I love to play, I think, strong characters, and so she definitely has that DNA still. But it was like, a very different. I've never just, like, played the girl in the moon, you know? Like, I've never just been, like, a girlfriend and whatever and like. Like those kinds of things. And so it was like an interesting kind of, like, opposite challenge for me to, like, do less. But I was like, there's also something that's very vulnerable about that. And I was like, really interested in having that experience. And this, like, turned out to be a really great group of people. Also, like, it was just so much fun. So, yeah, it was like a. It was an interesting challenge to play. To play Sherry because she is, like, still very feisty and, like, cool and strong. But, yeah, the position that she's in in the movie was, like, in so many ways, things I had never done.

[Nava Kavlin]

Was Dan right about you and Jack?

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah. I love. I could not love Jack more. He is so instantly, we were like. I think we just broke down. Like, okay, this is how I like to think about things. This is what I like to do. Like, what? I'm months out. I did this, and it was very, like, back and forth of, like, me too.

[Sophie Ansari]

Okay, me too.

[Hasan Minhaj]

And I do that and. Oh, my God, me too. So we, like, very quickly realized that we were, like, aligned in all the things, which, like, made it so easy, I think, for us to. Because we had, like, a very. Our first day was, like, an intimacy scene of the whole movie. First, I think. Yeah. First day. And so that. I think, okay. But it made it really easy. Easy.

[Nava Kavlin]

Wow.

[Sophie Ansari]

Novocaine is about a man who doesn't. He has an inability to feel pain. And I was just curious what your pain tolerance is. Like, like, is it high? Is it low? And how do you know? Like. Like, I know that I have a low pain tolerance because I have thrown up from period cramps before. So I'm, like, probably pretty low. But do you have a high or a low one? How do you know?

[Hasan Minhaj]

Well, I will say also, I feel like period cramps are really bad.

[Nava Kavlin]

It's true.

[Sophie Ansari]

It's either that they' really bad or I have a low pain tolerance.

[Nava Kavlin]

We don't know.

[Hasan Minhaj]

No, I'm gonna say you're really tough, and they're just really bad. I don't know. I feel like. I think it's all relative. I feel like I've been around people who are really, really tough, and comparatively, I'm very soft. Like, and then I, like, my dad has, like, an insane pain. Like, I actually genuinely think I have only seen him feel pain, like, twice in my life, and I've seen him get some crazy injuries. So, like, compared to him, I'm like. I would say I'm quite soft, but compared to, like, like, you know, most of the other. Compared to a lot of other people, I think maybe.

[Nava Kavlin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Like, my dad's slogan of my childhood also was, good thing you're tough. So, like, anytime. Something like, if my, like, I don't Know if one of my brothers did something to me or like. I, like. I remember one time my brother and I went on a run. We were running through the mountains, and he pushed me and I fell and I, like, spun out and a rock, like, shoved itself under my skin and my knees. And it, like, just immediate. It was, like, sharp. And so it just, like, shoved underneath there. And I remember I, like, got up. It was, like, too far in for me to pull it out, so I had to walk home and, like, have my mom pull it out. And I remember when my dad heard this, he was like, good thing you're down.

[Nava Kavlin]

Wow.

[Hasan Minhaj]

And so I feel like. So it's all relative.

[Nava Kavlin]

Yeah.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I think I'm like, right.

[Sophie Ansari]

You are Jack's character.

[Nava Kavlin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's impressive. Based on you.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Average. Average. I think I. An average level pain tolerance.

[Nava Kavlin]

Wow. You and Ayo Adebri have a movie coming out together also with the incredible John Malkovich called Opus. I think Pen referred to that. Ayo was a guest on our show in season one when we didn't even know exactly what we were. And we met with her in person. And I think today it still might be the most that I've ever laughed with a guest. And I'm just curious if you have any memorable. I know the movie hasn't come out, so usually people don't tell, like, BTs until something's out. But if you have any memorable stories. Phrase about working with Aya, who's just, like, such a little force in herself. And then what surprised you most about John Malkovich? Because there's so much lore about him just as a person.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah. I mean, John Malkovich, I will say, great. There's music involved in the movie and so very talented artists in all capacities, music included, which I just didn't know that about him. And just also incredible to see somebody who's like. It's so cool to see people who are legends in their own regard show up to work every day as if it's the first time, just, like, with the same amount of, like, passion, you know? So I would say that IO, I mean, bruh. IO is just like. She's. She's crazy and she's amazing. She's the smartest, most funny person I've ever met in my life. And I am obsessed with her. So every. Most of our scenes were together. I would say all of our. All of my scenes were with her. And so. And it was just cool. You know what? I'll say it surprised me about IO she runs back fast. She runs really fast. Okay. That's all that I'll say about that. But that girl can run.

[Nava Kavlin]

Okay.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Good to know.

[Sophie Ansari]

I'm intrigued.

[Nava Kavlin]

Notice.

[Sophie Ansari]

Can't wait to see Opus.

[Nava Kavlin]

Yeah.

[Penn Badgley]

If you could go back to 12 year old Amber, what would you say or do?

[Hasan Minhaj]

What would I do? Nothing. I would chill with that girl. I would love to see what she's doing. I would love to watch her. I feel like. I don't know, I feel like I'd probably tell my 12 year old self that there is a place for you, like everything. I think it's easy for kids. I think it's easy for like misrace people to feel kind of of in the middle of a lot of things. And you know, any. Any people. I think sometimes you don't always feel like you understand your place in the world. And so I feel like if I could talk to her, I would be like, listen, everything you're doing, keep doing it. And you don't have to be so like, don't. Don't feel the need to like, explain or excuse what you do and just that there is a place for you.

[Sophie Ansari]

Amber, I don't think anyone has answered that question by saying, like, at first. What you said at first. I'll just watch that girl, which was really sweet and I'm now taking that answer.

[Hasan Minhaj]

No, I really would. I would love to hang out with me at 12. I feel like it was probably really weird, but very entertained.

[Nava Kavlin]

You can watch Opus and Novocain in theaters this week and you can follow Amber online at Amber Midthunder.

[Sophie Ansari]

Podcrust is hosted by Penn Badgley, Nava Kavlin and Sophie Ansari. Our senior producer is David Ansari and our editing is done by Clips Agency. Special thanks to the folks at Lemonada. And as always, you can listen to podcrust ad free on Amazon Music with your prime membership. Okay, that's all. Bye.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Like, this is amazing to talk to you guys and also simultaneously a nightmare for me.

[Nava Kavlin]

Oh, no.

[Hasan Minhaj]

So, like, thank you for having me. And also I will.

[Nava Kavlin]

That's my hand. But I think that's how Pen would describe the podcast.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Yeah, I'm gonna. I am gonna like, lay down and disassociate for twice the time that we're doing this after all.

[Penn Badgley]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Always.

[Sophie Ansari]

Hey, I'm Reshma Sajani, founder of Girls.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Who Code and Moms First.

[Sophie Ansari]

I consider myself a pretty successful adult woman.

[Hasan Minhaj]

So why is it that in midlife, as I'm about to turn 50, I feel. So join me as I try to find the answer on My so Called Midlife from Lemonada Media. I talk to experts and extraordinary guests.

[Sophie Ansari]

About divorce, exercise, menopause, sex, drugs and.

[Hasan Minhaj]

More to understand what we're going through and how to make the most of it.

[Sophie Ansari]

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Freedom hi, I'm Paul F. Jompkins. I'm Lauren Lapkis. I'm Scott Aukerman. And together we make up the show threedom. Threedom is a show where the three of us who are comedians and also friends, we all just hang out. We tell stories about each other and about ourselves. Usually constantly telling stories about each other. You got it, Rapalde. And we play games and we laugh a lot. It's just that simple. It's a really easy podcast. This is a pretty good representation of the show. It's actually exactly what it is, plus singing. So listen to it now. The new season's out. Get it wherever you get your podcast, Just go outside and scream freedom just like we do. 3.